The Philosophy of Every Child Succeeds
Every Child Succeeds is rooted in a conceptual foundation that draws upon recent discoveries in child development, developmental neurology, social ecology and prevention science. Principles and findings from these diverse disciplines and theoretical perspectives support both the program objectives and services provided.
Every Child Succeeds makes the assumption that everyone wants to be a good parent. ECS helps parents create a stimulating, nurturing environment that is essential for brain development. By working with families early in children's lives, ECS helps ensure the best possible start and maximizes the likelihood for good physical health, optimal psychosocial adjustment and readiness for school.
Our goal of preparing new mothers for the work of a lifetime begins with a focus on first-time mothers because: (1) they are just learning the parental role and are particularly receptive to the information and support provided; (2) parenting patterns established and behavioral changes made at this time will impact not only the first but all subsequent children; (3) there is an opportunity to effect greater spacing between pregnancies; and (4) research clearly documents that efforts with first-time moms result in a return on investment for the community.
Based on brain research showing that the first three years of life are the most critical, ECS engages families early, when mom is prenatal or just after birth. During 2008, 67% of moms enrolled while pregnant. Effective attachment during the first year of life engenders healthy social emotional development, perhaps the greatest contributor to school readiness.
ECS is able to effect significant long-term change in the family trajectory because it is two generational, addressing the problems and introducing intervention of mutual benefit to both parents and children. While targeting the mom, ECS serves the entire family unit.
The centerpiece of the program is home visitation, delivered by professional home visitors, which seeks to strengthen the emotional bond between parent and child, enhance parent confidence and increase family self sufficiency. Home visitors emphasize child safety, health care and early intervention as a means to prevent medical and developmental problems later on. They also link families to community resources, emphasizing the important role communities play in helping parents raise healthy and successful children.